Trim frame for panels



Dec. 20, 1932. u, JOHANNSEN 1,891,421

- TRIM FRAME FOR PANELS Filed Jan. 8, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l 15 Z2 UBOK.JOHAHHSEH INVENTOR avail/LA ATTORNEY Dec. 20, 1932. JOHANNSEN I1,891,421

TRIM FRAME FOR PANELS Filed Jan. 8, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 UBO K.JOHAHNSEH INVENTOR ATTORNEY mf w Patented Dec. 20, 1932 1 UNITED STATESPATENT oFFICE UDO K. JOHANNSEN, OF CORTLAND, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TOBREWER-TITGHENEB CORPORATION, OF CORTLAND, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OFNEW YORK TRIM FRAME FOR PANELS Application filed January 8, 1932. SerialNo. 585,585.

This invention relates to the art of a builtup moulding for panels andis more particularly directed to improvements in a decorative, segmentalframework intended to enhance the trim of automobile license plates andwhich self-contained frame comprises but four intersecting sections thatcan be economically fabricated and rapidly secured together at theirintersecting regions without surface defacement by welds, rivets or needof separately formed corner pieces or the like superfluous keeper means.

The primary object of my invention is to provide for a smartly designedtrim frame or automobile accessory of the character indicated and onethat can be cooperatively applied to the perimeter of a beaded panel. Myframe design is such that it can be made, up to any desired dimension bythe use of relatively few forming dies and still provide for roundedcorner regions. The present segmental structure is preferably struck. upfrom strip-stock into complementary pairs of dished side and cross barsections of similar profile having their respective ends overlappinglynested and neatly united by flexible prong-like tongue or equivalentfastening means, the terminals of said bars being offset and so disposedthat their respective front faces fall into substantial alignment.

Said moulding-like frame is preferably supported upon its embraced paneland secured thereto by the use of a plurality of spaced prongs dependingfrom the perimeter of the frame assembly, that may be overlappinglyinturned against the rear of the mounted panel.

Said improvements further consist in alternative frame securingfeatures, all of which will hereinafter be disclosed in detail.Reference is had to the accompanying two sheets of drawings, which areillustrative of specific embodiments of my invention, and in whichdrawings:

Fig. 1 shows an elevational front view of my preferred style of frameassembly as applied around a conventional license plate, while Fig. 2represents a rear view thereof with the frame prongs crimped inwardly tomount the plate. l

Fig. 3 is a fragmental sectional view of said assembly as, taken alongline 33 of Fig. 1.

v Fig. tillustrates an enlarged corner detail of Fig. 2 and the relationof the frame prongs prior to theirbeing crimped inwardly.

Figs. 5 and 6 respectively represent a side bar and a cross-bar blank asstamped up from flat strip-stock.

Figs. 7 and 8 are typical perspective views of the respective blank endsafter they have been formed up and made ready for assembly into therectangular Fig. 1 framework.

Fig. 9 shows the manner in which my framework may be sprung to make thelicense plate rattleproof.

Fig. 10 represents a'modified corner detail in which my segmental barsare united by special bolts instead of tongues, and Figs. 11 and 12 showhow these difierently shaped bar ends may be brought into cooperativerela-- tionship. I

Figs. 13 to 15 disclose still another style of my frame cornerregion inwhich the offset socket element ofv the intersecting bars is reverselyformed.

7 Referring first to Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, they collectively show abuilt-up framework or endless moulding of channel-like profile adaptedto trim the marginal edge of the elongated license plate 10 or any othersim ilar panel. The prevailing state identification plates are commonlyprovided with an endless marginal head 11 and with an adjacent innergroove such as 12. The corner region of the plate perimeter is generallyrounded ofi as represented at 13 by'dotted outline in Fig. 1. The panel10 is placed behind the fenestration of my open rectangular skeletonframe of which the upstanding pairs of rela tively long corner prongs 14and 15 are crimped over the-panel edge in the fashion indicatedin Fig.2. My segmental framework is characterized by the use of side-bars andcross-bars such as 16 and 17 respectively and which bars are keptrectilinear except at the overlapping terminal regions thereof. Shortsupplemental bar-tenons or tongues such as 18 and 19 respectively, maybe used to permanently clinch together the overlapping nested frame-barends. This built-up raised at 18 as shown in Fig. 7 to constitute therectilinear side-bar 16.

The opposite blank ends may be similarly but reversely sheared whilestill flat to include a relatively short end-tongue 18, a side-tenon ortongue 19, and an intermediate relatively long extension or prong 14that is parted by an edge indentation 21, all of which elements are keptwithin the confines of the strip width w. The dotted outline indicatesthe corresponding die contour and the manner of successively partingsaid strip in a plurality of such blanks of any desired overall length,depending upon the successive feed-spacing that is given to thestrip-stock.

Fig. 6 represents the corresponding flat shape imparted to my relativelyshorter blank 22, which may be kept free of any tongues but may be madeto terminate in the oppositely disposed prongs 15 and is also providedwlth spaced tongue receiving apertures such as 23. Between suchapertures and their respect ve overhanging prongs, the blank perimeteris given'a rounded nose-like contour such as 24: which shape in turnallows of giving my frame cornera rounded perimetric formation having aradius substantially equal to the strip width w. The blank 22 is thenstruck up by the use of suitable dies into a dished cross-bar 17 ofchannel shaped'profile having a relatively flat web element 17A andreversely disposed terminals with the prongs '15 thrown downwardly asshown in Fig. 8

where the end region of the innermost web flange 17B is cut away toclear its mated bar. Each terminal of the side-bar 16 may be transversely offset at 29 to form a bar extension 26 and constitute aninteriorly socketed means adapted to overlie and snugly receive thedescribed cross-bar terminal, thereby maintaining the plane of therespective bar webs 16A and 17A in substantial alignment with the planeof the panel 10 when the upstanding web flanges are all faced in one andthe same direction.

A distinctive structural feature of mybuiltup framework resides in thenovel formation given to the respective corners thereof; the rectilinearbar sections may each be perimetrically rounded toconstitute anoverlapping to reach inwardly over andgpress-upon the rear.

imetric edge thereof; -Theclinchabjle, panel retaining prongs 14 and 15are shown spacedly associated with opposite end regions of the roundedcontour of said sect'orshape a; lie

within the projected width confines'of the respectivesheet metal stripsof which they form an integral part. In the Fig. 7 disclosure, theexposed exterior face of the socket 26 is kept raised outwardly beyondthe offset 29 to provide for a corner trim that protrudes upwardlyrelative to the intermediate face portion of the frame-bar '16.

. After these complementary ,bar ends are nested together, the entered'side-ten0n";. or" tongue 19 is clinched into itscontiguous aperture 23and the depending end-tenon or tongue 18 is permanently crimped overthe-underlying edge of its mated bar 'inithe fashion representedin Fig.-4. It will be observed that" the root of the overhanging tenon 19issha'rply bent and the free ,end thereof broughtinto substantialalignment with the innermost rail flange 1613, to the end that saidfreeend may be unrestrictedly entered into .the aperture 23 Withoutdefacing-the front face when the overlapping rail web apertures,are'superimpose'd as shown in Fig. l. Each of the overlapping framecornerregions' are similarly treated, which provides the perimeter jofi-i the interconnected framework. with rearwardly upstanding prongssuchas 14 and 15 adapted to receive and be inturned over the rear faceof the licenseplate 10. (See'Figs. 2and-4). It is preferred to have morethan one prong embrace eachof the marginal edges of the rectangularpanel '10 when desired, these prongs can'be repeatedly bent up-to.allow=of panel replacement. The overall framedi-i-t mensions arepreferaby chosen-to make the innermost perimeter of my interconnected.bars center .in the plate groove :12, theoverhanging prongsbeing, keptsufficiently long of-such groove-forming wallas shown in Fig. 3. In thepresent invention, the innermost web flanges are all brought downflushupon thefront face of' the license plate-in an inwardly centeredrelation to the marginal-. bead thereof and the separate bar fasteningmeans together with the associated depending prongs, are confined to andloeatedwithin their respective intersecting bar regionjss},

'lVhere the-license plate affords'nosucln groove, I provide foradditionalanti-shift measures by springing the panel 10- into its frame.As will beunderstood, suchstate license plates have become fa1r,ly-.well standardized as to size and .d 1spos1t1on ,-of-

beads. These platesare usually provided with spaced bracket slots 25Aand also with a pair of corner securing holes 2513 thru whichlarge-headed bracket bolts such as 28 respec-.

tively entered through the uppermost plate slots 25A and also the flange27, the assembled trim frame may be made to tilt outwardly away from thefront panel face in the fashion indicated in Fig. 9. The lowermost frameportion may now be manually sprung inwardly into place as shown indotted outline, whereupon the adjacent upstanding prongs are inturnedaround the rear of the embraced plate to retain the frame thereon in thedesired anti-rattle relationship.

A further important aspect of my frame structure lies in forming upsegmental blanks from strip-stock that require no further shearing alongthe longitudinal edges thereof and in so shaping up the respectiveoverlapping channel-like terminals, that no weld or separate keepermeans will be required for corner securement purposes. It is not essen*tial however that each segmental bar be equipt with duplicate prongssince certain of such prongs may readily be eliminated without loss ofeffective plate securement.

In some instances, it is found expedient to resortto bolts as asubstitute for my prong means, and to this end there will now bedescribed an alternative fastening means embodying substantially similarunderlying features as far as bar structure is concerned. Referring toFigs. 10 and 11, each end of the side-bar 30 is again offset at 31andsocketed in a somewhat modified raised fashion having a squared holestamped therethrough. Each cooperating male end of the cross-bar 32 islikewise provided with an aligning square hole and shaped to nest withinthe female or socketed side-bar end'. For clamping purposes, a specialflat-headed clamping screw 33 may be used having a square-shoulderedshank portion 34 adapted to snugly fit into the complementary bar holesas represented in Figs. 10 and 12. There is further provided anapertured retaining or backing plate 35 that extends inwardly over therear panel face and clamps upon the interposed marginal edge of thepanel 10 when the rear nut 36 is applied to the threaded end of theentered clamping screw. Fig. 12 cross-sectionally indicates how theoutermost shoulder edges of the shank 34 may by the use of a suitableriveting tool. be burred over its contiguous bar aperture at 34A so asto fixedly. interlock the assembled segmental'framebars while allowingthe respective backing plates to be individually released therefrom.

' The exposed head-face of these corner bolts may be jeweled orotherwise given a decorative design, the structural arrangement be ingsuch that said bolts interlock thebar segments and at the same timeremovablyfasten the panel behind the framework without need of anyprongs or special panel drilling. It will be observed that at eachintersecting corner region of this rectangular frame, the web of oneoverlapping bar is suitably raised to pass its mate and again allow eachmedial bar portion to fall in a common plane. 7

Figs. 13 to 15 are illustrative of areversely mounted socket in whichthe, abutting frame bars form a mitered joint. The dished bar 38 is herecut off along the beveled partline 39 from which there extends adepending tenon 40. The complementary bar 41 has its overlapping endreversely offset at 42 to abut with said part-line. The web of the bar41 may be extended onwardly and depressed into the tongue-like member 43adapted to underlie the intersecting web portion of the bar 38. Adjacentto the'oifset 42 is located a tenon receiving aperture 44 and theextremity of the tongue 43 may be provided with an overhanging prong 45.In this instance, these cooperating bar terminals may be .assembled inthe manner shown by the interior corner view Fig. 15 where said prong 45may be riveted to its contiguous bar. flange as indicated at 46. In suchalternative design, the front face of. my segmental frame has beenbrought wholly into alignment with the abutting bar ends mounted inflush'relation.

The shape given to my nested bar terminals preferably remains the sameirrespective formed up by the use of extensible,sectional dies adaptedto fit different bar lengths. My method produces a relatively rigidsegmental frame structure and may be applied to unitboidal or triangularcontour. The defined novel mode of frame manufacture especially lendsitself to rapid quantity fabrication at a sufficiently low productioncost to enable? this article to be profitably retailed through chainstore agencies; Inthe present invenmay be made alike by forming one endwith tenons or tongues as in Fig. 5 while the opposite end thereof isprovided with an aperture 23 as in Fig. 6. It, may also be emphasizedthat in my frame corner structure,the

tenons 18 and 19 a-reprefe'rably associated of the blank length and mayreadily b6 ing intersecting corner regions where the bars 1110 are to beobliquely disposed to form a rhom- .with different, spaced apart railedges so as to afford a relatively non-yieldable joint between theintersecting rail regions should the frame be subjectedto unsparingtwist or the like weave.

Other advantages inherent in my frame devices are thought apparent tothose skilled in this art, also thatthe corner structure the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. A segmental sheet-metal framework adapted to trim the perimeter of apanel, said frame comprising a pair of spaced rectilinear side-bars thatare channel-like in crossseotional profile and each including a webdisposed to overlie one panel face and having a flaiige depending towardsaid face from the innermost edge of said web, and which frame furthercomprises a complementary pair of rectilinear cross-bars of like profileand web disposition having their respective ends extended in a bridgingoverlapping relation to said side-bars, each i such intersecting barregion including a socket-like web offset for oneof the overlapping barsand a male element integrally associated with the web of its other matedbanadapted to nest crosswise within the web ofiset of said one bar, andfastening means interconnecting the respectiveweb offsets to. theircontiguous male elements to constitute an endless framework of which thecomponent web flanges depend from the innermost frame contour and therespective free flange edges lie-in a common plane.

2. In a segmentalsheet-metal trim frame for'mounting a license platetherehehind and which plate is provided with a marginal bead,

the combination of a pair of spaced rectilinear side-bars ofchannel-like cross-sectional profile each provided with a web elementhaving an outstanding flange that overlies the plate perimeter andextends inwardly of the marginal bead thereof, complementary cross-barsof like profile and size of which the web elements are respectivelydisposed in a bridging overlapping relation to those of the first namedpair of barswith the respective web flanges of all such barsdirected'rearwardly toward said panel, each such intersecting web regionincluding a notch indented in the outstanding flange of one bar thereofserving to transversely receive the contiguous web ele ment of the otherbar with their respective medial bar portions kept in substantialalignment, and fastening means for uniting each of the respectiveintersecting web regions.

3. A segmental trim frame adapted to mount a panel therein, said framecompri ing a pair of rectilinear strip metal side-bar sections of whichone bar end region terminates in clinchable prong means which prior toclinching is confined within the strip width dimension and has flexibletongue means associated therewith and which frame further comprises apair of cross-bar sections each having an aperture adjacent to an endregion thereof and which cross-bar apertures are respectively disposedto cooperatively receive and interlock with a contiguous side-bar tonguefor the purpose of uniting said sections into a frameworkprovided with aplurality of perimetrically depending prongs which upon being clinchedinwardly serve to embrace the edge of the panel.

4. An endless sectional moulding adapted to circumscribe a panel, saidmoulding comprising a pair of strip metal, rectilinear barsegments ofwhich one is provided with a raised transverse offset located inwardlyfrom a terminal region of said one bar to constitute an extensionoverhanging the bar offset, and the other of said bansegments havinga'terminal region overlappingly superimposed upon and nested in saidextension in abutment with said offset, one such segment being providedwith a tongue receiving aperture and its mated segment having acooperating tongue serving to unite the overlapping region of thebar-segments, and clinchable prong means integrally appended to one ofthe bar-segments in the overlapping region thereof, said means prior tobeing clinched lying within the strip width confines of said one segmentand disposed to be clinched inwardly over a marginal edge of the panel.

5. The combination of a rectangular plate with front and rear faceshavinga slot adjacent to one plate edge, a support bracket adjoining therear plate face and which bracket is provided with an apertureregistering with said slot, an endless trim frame including a pluralityof bars certain of which are each equipt with a prong and which frame isarranged to ovcrlappingly circumscribe' the marginal edge of the frontplate face with one such prong initially crimped over the aforesaid oneplate edge, and clamping means entered through the plate slot and thebracket aperture and including enlarged head means disposed to straddlethe plate and the bar lying contiguous to said slot, said means whenclamped toward the bracket tilting another pronged frame-bar outwardlyawa 7 from the plate and the prong of the last named bar being sprunginwardly and inturned over the rear plate face to provide for ananti-rattle mounting of the plate with in said frame.

7 6. An endless sectional framework adapted to be mounted upon a panelhaving front and rear faces, said framework being disposed ahead of thefront panel face and comprising a pair of intersecting. bar-segments,the overlapping terminal region of one such segment being provided withflexible tongue means and the adj oined terminal of the other segmentunderlying said one segment and having a registering aperture into whichthe free end of said tongue is clinched in concealed relation betweenthe framework and said panel, and longitudinally disposed prong meansappended to the terminal region of one of the intersecting bar-segments,said prong beinginturned over the marginal edge of the rear panel facein a superimposed relation to its contiguous tongue. 7

7. A sectional moulding comprising a pair of adjoining, strip metal barsegments disposed to intersect in oblique relation of which one suchsegment is provided with an offset extension means and the other segmentis overlappingly superimposed upon said extension in nested relation,fastening means interconnecting said superimposed bar elements and whichmeans constitutes the sole securement between said pair of adjoiningbars, and prong means integrally carried by and extending outwardlybeyond the intersecting region of one such bar and which prong isinitially disposed within the projected longitudinal edge confines ofthe bar strip of which it forms an integral part.

8. A segmental framework comprising a pair of rectilinear, strip-stockbars superimposed to intersect in oblique relation to constitute anoverlapping corner region of sector-like shape having a roundedperimeter for each such bar and which bars extend oppositely away fromthe respective radial marginal edges of said sector shape, integraltongue means carried by one of said bars medially of its roundedperimeter and which tongue is clinched over the rounded perimeter of theother bar, and cooperating tongue means associated with one of theradial edges of said sector shape.

9. A segmental framework comprising a pair of rectilinear, strip-stockbars superimposed to intersect in oblique relation to constitute anoverlapping corner region of sector-like shape having a roundedperimetric frame edge and which bars extend oppositely away from therespective radial marginal edges of said sector shape, prong meansintegrally associated with one such bar at the end region of the roundedperimetric edge thereof, and fastening means securing togethertheintersecting bars.

10. A segmental framework comprising a pair of rectilinear strip-stockbars superimposed to intersect in oblique relation to constitute anoverlapping corner region of sector-like shape having a roundedperimetric frame edge, a pair of tongues of which one is associated withsaid rounded perimetric edge and the other with a radial marginalallelogram contour adapted to overlie and trim the marginal edge of aninserted panel, said moulding comprising a pair of intersect ing barsthat are each rectilinear throughout the respective lengths thereof andhaving their intersecting regions shaped to form a rounded corner forsaid moulding, said bars each being given a cross-sectional channelshape including a flange component asso ciated with the innermost edgeof said endless moulding, integral bar prongmeans extending from theoutermost moulding perimeter, and fastening means interconnecting theaforesaid intersecting pair of adjoining bars,

In testimony whereof, I have herewith set my hand this 7th day ofJanuary, 1932.

v UDO K. J OHANNSEN.-

edge of said sector shape, and prong means disposed intermediate saidtongues.

11. An endless segmental moulding of par

